Likhith · November 27, 2025 Introduction
With CAT 2025 fast approaching, MBA aspirants are focused not just on preparation but also on understanding the likely cutoff trends that will decide their admission fate. Predicting CAT cutoffs effectively is a crucial part of planning, helping candidates set realistic score goals and prepare strategically for the competitive selection process.
Each year, cutoffs for top Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and leading Non-IIM business schools vary due to multiple factors. This blog provides well-researched predictions for CAT 2025 cutoffs across these institutes, explains the importance of sectional and overall cutoffs, and offers insights on how to leverage these predictions to maximize admission chances.
Understanding CAT Cutoffs and Their Importance
In CAT admissions, a cutoff is the minimum percentile or scaled score a candidate must secure to get shortlisted for subsequent rounds like Group Discussions (GD), Personal Interviews (PI), and Written Ability Tests (WAT). The primary categories of cutoffs include:
- Overall Cutoff: The total CAT percentile score aggregated across all sections.
- Sectional Cutoffs: Minimum percentile scores required in each CAT section (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability).
Institutes use these cutoffs to filter candidates who demonstrate balanced aptitude across essential skills. Missing even one sectional cutoff can lead to disqualification from a particular institute’s shortlisting, regardless of the overall CAT score.
Understanding and anticipating cutoff patterns help aspirants focus their preparation efforts efficiently and apply to colleges where their scores make them competitive candidates.
Factors Influencing CAT 2025 Cutoffs
Several dynamic factors affect CAT cutoff trends annually:
- Exam Difficulty and Percentile Distribution: A tougher paper will typically lower cutoffs, while an easier exam can elevate them due to more candidates achieving higher scores.
- Number of Applicants: As the number of aspiring MBA students increases, competition intensifies, potentially pushing cutoffs higher.
- Available Seats: Variations in total intake across IIMs and Non-IIMs impact cutoff thresholds.
- Reservation and Diversity Quotas: Category-specific cutoffs differ, influenced by India’s affirmative action policies.
- Economic and Hiring Climate: Positive hiring forecasts tend to correlate with raised cutoffs, reflecting increased aspirant confidence.
CAT 2025 Cutoff Predictions for IIMs
| Institute | Expected Overall Cutoff (%) | Expected Sectional Cutoffs (%) |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 98 – 99 | VARC: 85+, DILR: 90+, QA: 95+ |
| IIM Bangalore | 97 – 98.5 | VARC: 80+, DILR: 85+, QA: 90+ |
| IIM Calcutta | 97 – 98.5 | VARC: 80+, DILR: 85+, QA: 95+ |
| New IIMs (Lucknow, Kozhikode, etc.) | 90 – 95 | VARC: 70+, DILR: 75+, QA: 80+ |
The older IIMs continue to maintain exceptionally high cutoffs because of their brand strength and high demand. Newer IIMs, while raising their profiles, offer relatively lower cutoffs, providing opportunities for candidates with slightly lower percentiles but solid profiles.
CAT 2025 Cutoff Predictions for Non-IIMs
| College | Expected Overall Cutoff (%) | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| XLRI | 90 – 95 | XAT/CAT |
| SPJIMR | 88 – 93 | CAT/XAT |
| MDI Gurgaon | 85 – 90 | CAT |
| NMIMS Mumbai | 85 – 90 | NMAT/CAT |
| Others (TAPMI, GIM) | 80 – 85 | CAT/NMAT/SNAP |
Non-IIM Tier-1 private B-schools exhibit competitive cutoffs that often overlap with newer IIMs. Multiple entrance exams accepted by some institutes cause variations but maintaining a percentile above 85 is generally prudent for application safety.
How to Use Cutoff Predictions Strategically
- Aim Higher Than Expected Cutoffs: Setting a goal percentile safely above predicted cutoffs increases your chances amid variable competition.
- Enhance Your Profile: Strong academic records, relevant work experience, and extracurricular achievements can positively influence the holistic assessment in many institutes.
- Prepare for GD-PI-WAT: Performance in these rounds can compensate for marginal shortfalls in cutoffs, especially in private B-schools.
- Diversify College Choices: Applying to a balanced mix of high cutoffs and realistic options prevents last-minute surprises.
How Career Plan B Supports Every Step
- Personalized Counseling: In-depth one-on-one counseling to align specialization, college choices, and career goals.
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- Preference Analysis: Analysis of seat trends, cut-offs, and college quality to build a winning choice list.
- Mock Counseling & Strategy: Practice sessions to simulate real counseling—boosting your confidence, reducing errors.
- Support for Appeals/Technical Issues: Help in resolving portal issues, appeals, or queries with admission authorities.
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FAQ
- What is a good CAT percentile for top IIMs?
Generally, candidates require above 97-98 percentile overall and strong sectional scores to be competitive. - Will CAT 2025 cutoffs rise compared to previous years?
Cutoffs may rise slightly if the CAT difficulty is moderate and application numbers increase. - How significant are sectional cutoffs?
Institutes use sectional cutoffs to ensure well-rounded skills; missing them can result in elimination. - Can a low overall percentile candidate still get calls?
Reserved category candidates or those with strong profiles may get calls despite lower overall percentiles. - Do academics and work experience affect cutoff relaxation?
Yes, solid academics and meaningful work experience can enhance selection chances. - Should applicants aim beyond predicted cutoffs?
Yes, preparing for higher scores ensures a margin of safety amidst fluctuating competition.
Conclusion
CAT 2025 cutoff predictions offer crucial guidance to help MBA aspirants set realistic preparation goals and formulate effective admission strategies. Staying informed about how cutoffs fluctuate with exam difficulty, applicant quality, and market trends empowers candidates to maximize their chances.
Expert guidance through each step—from exam prep to shortlist strategy and GD-PI-WAT coaching—is invaluable. Career Plan B stands ready to support your personalized MBA admission journey, transforming predicted numbers into your success story.
Your CAT percentile can unlock premier management programs—strategize wisely and act confidently.
